Flood — Henderson, Kentucky

2011-05-01 to 2011-05-10 · near Alzey, Henderson, Kentucky

Wider weather episode

Widespread flooding continued from April into May across western Kentucky. Following excessive rain in April, a final dose of heavy rain came between April 30 and May 2. Numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms produced additional average rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, which caused isolated flash flooding. Between 9 and 22 inches of rain fell across the region between April 22 and May 3. Most creeks and streams flooded for an extended period of time. Some of the flooding was major. Numerous roads were flooded and closed, including some major state roads such as U.S. Highways 62, 60, and 51. Some schools delayed or cancelled classes due to the large number of flooded roads. A bridge was washed out over Mayfield Creek near the Graves and McCracken County line. Some of the smaller rivers that flooded included the Tradewater River in Webster County and the Clarks River in Marshall and northeast Graves Counties. Roads were closed near each river. Some homes and businesses were sandbagged. All main roads to Providence in Webster County were closed. The communities of Clay and Blackford in Webster County were isolated by flooding, accessible by boat only. Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake rose rapidly, breaking record levels at the beginning of the month. Both lakes reached around 372.5 feet by May 4. The top of the gates at Kentucky Dam are at 375 feet. Lakeshore flooding forced the closure of recreational facilities and roads, including portions of the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Campgrounds along the lake were flooded. Marinas were closed. Flooding of the Tennessee River affected the western edge of Calvert City and a few homes near Possum Trot, with some homes sandbagged.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.8700, -87.8200)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 307847. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.